I normally do a single trip summary at the end, but given this trip was more similar for four consecutive trips than one big trip I’ll be doing summaries after each destination.

Highlights:

• Alcatraz/Cable Cars/Biking the bridge, ferry back from Sausalito
• Fresh bagels
• Endless things to do!

Lowlights:

• Slightly delayed flights
• Wife had to work

What Went Right?

• Transportation went smoothly if slightly delayed
• Excellent value on the hotel stay.  Nice room and above average lounge, even though it got crowded
• Excellent location and access to all the activities we wanted to do.
• More to do that we had time!

Takeaways

San Francisco was a lot of fun. It’s a city I frequent and one that my wife has visited several times, but it was the kids’ first extended time there. They had spent a long layover in the city a few years ago, but that wasn’t even enough time to ride a cable car. This trip, the boys loved them and likely would have ridden them all day if I had let them. They are unique and quirky and unlike what they are used to.

The city is one that is very walkable and easy to get around with many forms of transportation.  The MUNIMobile app makes it easy to get the tickets you need without having to scrounge around for cash or figure out where to buy tickets.  Google Maps integration is excellent for public transport directions, telling you where to go to get the correct bus and letting you know the fares.  My co-workers complain endlessly about public transport in the Bay Area, but in my experience, it’s usually great!

We were really happy with the hotel.  While the room wasn’t huge, it was larger than average for the city. The location was perfect for what we wanted as there were many food options nearby and we were only a couple blocks from the chaos and shopping of Union Square. By booking ahead on refundable rates, we were able to rebook as the price went down and ended up locking in a rate that was hundreds of dollars less than I normally see when I travel to the city.

The hotel lounge wasn’t the best we’ve ever seen, but was in the top 10 despite getting busy quite quickly. When they weren’t serving food, my wife spent a lot of time working tehre as it got pretty quiet between meals. The hotel has a lot of conference facilities that were mostly empty during our stay so those areas of the hotel were pretty quiet, giving her more options to go during her calls.

I’m glad we got recommendations from my co-workers for places to go and things to do, but we only got to a fraction of them. We didn’t get to see Muir Woods and that was a bit of a disappointment, but we didn’t have great weather. That’s to be expected during the winter, though we had a couple days that were excellent, including the day we chose to bike the bridge. Our hard work was rewarded with fantastic views of the city and bay. I’m sure San Francisco will be on our destination list again so we can see and do even more!